Disney has released a full map and new concept art for The Magic of Disney Animation, coming to the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The space will include character meets, drawing lessons, a play area, a theater, and animation-themed displays.
Sorcerer Hat Entrance
Guests will enter under a Sorcerer Hat inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank. From there, the map leads guests into a studio-style courtyard with character statues and multiple experience areas.
Drawn to Wonderland
Drawn to Wonderland is an indoor play area for younger guests, inspired by Alice in Wonderland and the artwork of Mary Blair.
The concept art shows a colorful space with:
- A roller slide
- Hedge maze elements
- Mad Tea Party activities
- References to the Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat, and other Wonderland locations
- Seating areas for adults
Off the Page Character Meets
Off the Page will feature character meet and greet spaces tied to parts of the animation process.
Announced locations include:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip and Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in Computer Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
A large mural above the meet and greet spaces will include Disney Animation characters. Disney has said every Walt Disney Animation Studios film will be represented somewhere in the attraction or courtyard.
Reception Lounge
The map also shows a reception lounge near Off the Page. This area is expected to include seating, large windows, and a studio reception theme.
The lounge will give guests a place to rest while offering views into the character area.
Olaf Draws
Olaf Draws will bring drawing lessons back to Animation Courtyard. The experience features Olaf as an Audio-Animatronics figure at an animator’s desk.
Guests will learn to sketch Disney characters through recorded instruction from Disney Animation artists. Characters expected in the lessons include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, Judy Hopps, and Nick Wilde.
Once Upon A Studio Theater
The Once Upon A Studio Theater will show the short film that inspired parts of the new area. The theater will include added effects and artwork that may come to life during the show.
This gives guests more context for the overall theme of animated characters stepping out of their frames and into the studio.
Animated Gallery Elements
The experience will also include gallery-style displays where Disney Animation artwork appears to animate. These smaller details give guests more to explore between the main areas.
What This Means for Animation Courtyard
The Magic of Disney Animation is being built as a group of connected experiences rather than one show or exhibit. It will offer activities for different types of guests, including children, character fans, and guests interested in Disney animation.
Conclusion
The new map gives Disney World guests a clearer look at what is coming to Animation Courtyard. With Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page, Olaf Draws, the Once Upon A Studio Theater, and animated gallery elements, The Magic of Disney Animation will add several new experiences to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
